Prints pages with one or two lines of random characters

[Hamlin1]

When I try to print a single page document from my laptop I always get lots of pages on the printer with one or two lines of random characters per page. It is wasting a lot of paper.

I have updated all the drivers and the HP Smart app is not showing any errors.

I can print a test document correctly from the printer panel.

[Betty0610 · Accepted solution]

@Hamlin1

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Let's try to do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

Have a great day!

[Zonki]

This solved my problem which appeared following an upgrade to Windows 11.  Many thanks.

[Hamlin1]

Yes, that resolved the problem, thanks.

Sorry for the delay but I've been away from home for a few weeks.

[Betty0610]

I'm glad to hear that and you're most welcome. Do get back to us in the future for further assistance.

Have a nice day and stay safe!:)

[SofiaML]

Hi community users!

If you use MacOS, to uninstall and reinstall your printer follow the steps in the links below:

Remove a printer from your Mac

Connect and set up a printer in macOS

SofiaML
HP Support Community